PROCESS COOLING

Communication and Scheduling

After purchasing a portable chiller for your operation, it is easy to focus on the many other items on your to-do list.  It is important to note that before receiving your chiller, you will need to prepare your facility. By preparing for the chiller's arrival, you will be ready to start cooling your injection molding process as quickly as possible.

After we receive your order, we schedule the job in our production system. This system confirms the planned ship date which we send to you on our formal order acknowledgement. Throughout the process, we monitor the status of each job in production. We review them on a daily basis. If any issues arise that impact your portable chiller, we will notify you and immediately work to eliminate delays. Thermal Care maintains a proactive philosophy to achieve our on-time shipments goal.

Keeping two-way communication for site readiness is also important. Thermal Care will accommodate, whenever possible, for site delays by holding shipment, but we do not always have the space to store the unit. Staying on top of the site’s readiness will ensure you are able to receive the shipment when available.  The impact on warranty coverage also is a consideration because typically warranty begins at time of shipment.

Shipping

Thermal Care’s experienced order entry team will confirm the shipping details for your portable chiller to ensure you are aware of shipping charges and payment. New plastics processors without prior logistics experience can rely on Thermal Care to assist throughout the process. There are two common methods of shipment: prepaid and collect. For prepaid, Thermal Care will coordinate the freight carrier to pick up the equipment and pay the freight bill. This cost will be added to the invoice for your order.  For collect, you can select the carrier and they will bill you directly.

Receiving and Inspecting

The chiller will arrive on a skid, with a box or crating for added protection. Please alert your Thermal Care team if your location does not have a shipping dock. Companies without a shipping dock require a truck with a lift gate to unload the truck using a pallet jack.

Once the chiller is unloaded, be sure to fully inspect the crating. Identify any damage, photograph it and note it on the delivery receipt. As the chiller is uncrated, carefully inspect for any concealed damage that occurred during shipment. Proper documentation is critical to provide evidence the damage did not occur after delivery.

Chiller Location

Prior to receiving your chiller, consider the location for the unit.  This allows you to place the portable chiller at the time of delivery especially if you have rented or borrowed moving equipment.

After uncrating the chiller you will need to determine how to move it into position. Some units have casters that allow them to roll. Others, often units for outdoor installation, have feet for mounting. You will require a forklift or pallet jack.

Standard chillers are designed for indoor installation but outdoor duty construction is a common option.  If the chiller will be installed outdoors, consider the security of the unit to avoid any possible theft or damage.  Fencing around the chiller is most common, but be sure the fence isn’t too close to restrict airflow.  Also, you may need to pour a concrete pad or install a metal support frame.  These should be constructed prior to the chiller’s arrival; so it can be moved into place at time of delivery.

Airflow is crucial for a portable chiller’s operation.  The exhaust air from the chiller is how it removes the heat from the system.  It cannot be installed in a confined place or in a corner.  Proper clearance around the chiller ensures airflow but also allows for maintenance access. To ensure proper airflow and space for maintenance allow a minimum of 36 inches of clearance between the sides of the equipment and any walls or obstructions. 

Electrical and Mechanical Installation

The importance of properly sized piping cannot be overemphasized. See the ASHRAE Handbook or other suitable design guide for proper pipe sizing. In general, run full size pipe to the process and only reduce pipe size at connections as needed. One of the most common causes of unsatisfactory chiller performance is poor piping system design. Avoid long lengths of hoses, quick disconnect fittings, and manifolds wherever possible as they offer high resistance to water flow. Refer to your chiller manufacturers operation manual for further details.

Proper insulation of chilled process fluid piping is crucial to prevent condensation. The formation of condensation adds a substantial heat load to the chiller.

Your portable chiller is designed for a particular electrical supply and will need to match your facility’s available service. When placing your order your Thermal Care sales team will confirm the voltage required. Industrial electricians will provide the proper wiring, disconnects and safety equipment for the chiller based upon local codes.  Thermal Care’s engineering team provides all necessary information and drawings for professional installation.

Starting Your Chiller

Each Thermal Care packaged chiller is individually reviewed as part of a quality inspection and fully tested prior to shipment.  Having your installation contractor onsite during startup is recommended in case there are any piping leaks or troubleshooting required for the chiller.  Thermal Care’s dedicated Service team is also available to support you throughout this process. 

Units are factory set to standard operating specifications. Follow instructions in the operation manual to start-up your chiller.